Chronic pain is prevalent among senior citizens, but it is a condition that often goes untreated and even unreported. Pain is something that many people experience on a daily basis, but believe that there’s nothing that can be done about it. Some elderly people take over the counter pain relievers, like aspirin, Tylenol, or Advil on a regular basis. The long term health outlook when taking medications like this is not always good, so overusing these medications is a very bad idea. That leaves a very important question unanswered, though: what can seniors do to help manage their pain?
First, be open about it with a medical professional. There might be an easy solution out there that you’ve never considered. Or, the pain might be a side effect of something serious yet previously undetected. This will at least make sure that there is nothing major going on behind the scenes and keep all of your mom or dad’s care team on the same page. Working with a doctor will also ensure that other methods of addressing the pain are done as safely and efficiently as possible. Pain might seem inevitable, but there is almost always a way to reduce the negative impact that it has upon people’s lives, even if it is only slight. Addressing it sooner rather than later also can prevent bigger problems down the road.
Second, acknowledge that there is a chance that the pain could be the result of more than just a physical issue. Mental health also plays a large role in pain, and things like depression, anxiety, and similar issues can bring about pain. Sometimes, treating pain is as simple as helping your loved one to be in a better mood. Isolation can also contribute to depression, and thus pain. If you think about it, your loved one probably spends a lot of time alone, and when they are with someone, it’s probably just family members. This is important, but it’s not the same as interacting with people outside the family. However, it’s something that can be easily overcome with an in-home caregiver. Caregivers do much more than just help out around the house; they also provide companionship, friendship, and love. This is especially true when you go with a trusted professional care service.
Finally, make sure that your loved one is eating as well as possible, and that they are getting the exercise that they need. Diet and exercise do wonders for health, both mental and physical. There are tons of studies out there that indicate this, and they can both help your elderly loved one to feel stronger and healthier. Consult with a doctor if there are concerns about exercising or if your loved one has limitations on what they can do because of a disability. Working with a doctor can help you to get the vital exercise in a safe way.
Dealing with pain is unfortunate, but if done quickly and through the right resources, you can have a beneficial impact on the lives of the people that you love. No one wants to suffer, and you don’t want to see the people you love suffer. Be aware of what you can do to help them and take the appropriate steps.
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